Rumors circulating on Avastin vs. Lucentis in AMD

Results of NIH's CATT study comparing Lucentis ranibizumab to Avastin bevacizumab in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) aren't due to be presented until Sunday, but rumors are starting to circulate about the results. In an article posted online Wednesday, The New York Times cited two unnamed sources, one of whom said the cheaper Avastin, which is used off-label, was just as good, while another said Avastin was slightly inferior.

Earlier this month, an analysis of Medicare claims by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and colleagues for the two mAbs found an increased risk of mortality and cerebrovascular accident from use of Avastin in the indication (see BioCentury Extra, April 4). ...